The St. Louis Cardinals open up Grapefruit League play Thursday afternoon against the Miami Marlins just after noon central time. Newcomer Jason Heyward will get the start in the second spot in Mike Matheny’s lineup, which includes the potential top five in the order for Opening Day. Here’s the full lineup:
- Matt Carpenter, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Matt Holliday, DH
- Matt Adams, 1B
- Yadier Molina, C
- Kolten Wong, 2B
- Stephen Piscotty, LF
- Peter Bourjos, CF
- Pete Kozma, SS
Carlos Martinez will make the start in the team’s Spring Training opener, and the right-hander is expected to throw at least 30 pitches or two innings, whichever comes first. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Martinez will be followed by lefty Tim Cooney and then some selection of Randy Choate, Matt Belisle, Mitch Harris, Marcus Hatley, Mike Mayers, and Miguel Socolovich.
As Goold also reports, Thursday’s game will be on the clock:
A clock has been installed at Roger Dean Stadium as part of Major League Baseball’s initiative to increase the pace of game. The clock will be used to hasten the pace between innings at a limit set by MLB.
The Marlins will send new addition Dan Haren to the mound for Thursday’s game. Here’s their full lineup:
- Dee Gordon, 2B
- Christian Yelich, LF
- Giancarlo Stanton, RF
- Michael Morse, 1B
- Martin Prado, 3B
- Marcell Ozuna, CF
- Ichiro Suzuki, DH
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Adeiny Hechavarraia, SS
Feature image used under Creative Commons from Bruce Tuten. No changes made. Creative Commons License.
